Shaftal are also known as bhukal. These are very highly nutritious leguminous fodder. It is liked by all the animals. It is a late season growing crop. It is mainly used to mix with oats and ryegrass to elevate productivity.

In Himachal Pradesh, it is mainly sown in Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Chamba regions.
 

Shaftal is suited to most soil types from sandy loams to heavy clay soil.

S H-48: It has round and deep green color leaves, thin stem which is hollow and has small white flowers which become pink at maturity. The plant contains 25-27% of protein content. It can also be planted in rainfed areas. 5-6 harvestings are given. It gives 280-320/acre of green fodder and 50-52quintal/acre of dry fodder.

Other state varieties:

Shaftal69: Its leaves are long stalk and round in shape. Flowers are pink in color. This variety is resistant to stem-rot disease. The immature seeds are green and turn yellow when developed fully.

Shaftal 48, SH 69.
 

Plough the land for one time with disc harrow as well as two times with cultivator to prepare seed bed.
 

Time of sowing
Last week of September to first week of October is optimum time for sowing seeds.

Spacing
No spacing, Seeds are sown by broadcasting method.

Sowing Depth
Seeds are sown in standing water.

Method of sowing
Seeds are sown by broadcasting method.
 

Seed rate:
Use seed rate of 5-6 kg for sowing one acre land.
 

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

At time of sowing, apply 10 kg of nitrogen (in form of Urea@22 kg), 24 Kg phosphorus (in form of SSP@ 150 kg) and Potash@12 (in the form of MOP@20 kg )per acre.

Irrigation is necessary for shaftal crop. First irrigation after sowing in 3-6 days in light soil and 6-8 days in heavy soil. Depending upon climatic condition apply remaining irrigation at interval of 9-10 days in case of summer and 10-15 days in case of winter season.

• Pest and their control:
  

Hairy caterpillar: They destroy the crop leaves, steam. Their attack cause economic loss of the crop.

Control: Destroy the weeds growing adjoining these crops on which these pests feed.

Gram caterpillar: They destroy the crop severely.

Control: To control, take spray of 50 ml Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SL or 60 ml Tracer. Repeat these sprays after 10 days if required.

• Disease and their control:
  

Downy mildew: This disease emerges in the month of January. They appear on the top of the plant which looks like grey cottony. Stems get retarded, leaves get twisted.

Rust: In this green part of the plant appear  to have small red pustules. Leaves firstly appear to be rusted and later fall. The seed which get infected get light in weight.

Control: These two diseases can be controlled by using healthy seeds, avoiding high dose of organic matters in the soil, avoiding excessive use of irrigation will keep check on these disease.

Crop is ready for harvesting in 55-60 days for first cutting. Remaining cutting are taken at interval of 30 days.